Proverbs 7 “The Crafty Harlot”

“My son, keep my words, that they may keep you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words.” (v.5)

Here in chapter 7, king Solomon warns his son against “the crafty harlot” who’s flattery can be a trap, and who’s words can led one astray. Solomon in his narrative, admonishes his son to avoid her at all costs saying, “Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death” (vv.26-27).

To resist words of temptation, we need to store up words of wisdom and righteousness. Treasuring God’s words and seeking His wisdom cannot be overstated. And a close relationship with Christ is our best defense for temptation.

The Truth: “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Proverbs 6 “Warnings Against Folly”

“Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul.” (v.32)

Here in chapter 6, King Solomon continues his instruction to his son concerning the snares and traps of life; making a pledge for a stranger, laziness, associating with troublemakers, but he spends 15 verses on his second warning against adultery - “The shame of which will never be wiped away” (v.33).

There is so much temptation in our society today for a man to struggle with. But temptation is not sin, even Jesus was tempted (Hebrews 4:15). It is when we act on that temptation that it becomes sin. Even if we begin to think about it, roll the idea around in our heads, Jesus said, we've lusted in our own hearts and have sinned already (Matthew 5:28). That old saying, “If you play with fire, you’re going to get burned” is true for both the believer and unbeliever as well.

However, adultery is a sin that can be forgiven, as was the case with David himself. But the shame, the stigma, the reproach, will never go away. Trust is a character trait that once is lost, is seldom regained. And relationships all around both parties are seldom restored to the same level. While it is a pardonable sin, and can be forgiven if confessed, it marks a person forever.

Therefore, be smart. Do not destroy your own soul. Spare yourself the reproach of a lifetime, and heed Solomon's warning. And if you have committed this sin, seek God's forgiveness.

The Truth: “Thou shall not commit adultery.” ( Exodus 20:14)
The Truth: "If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

Proverbs 5 “Rejoice In Your Wife”

“Rejoice in the wife of your youth…May you ever be intoxicated with her love.” (vv.18-19)

Here in chapter 5 King Solomon admonishes his sons against the adulterous woman. His wisdom speaks clearly of the foolishness of “an affair” saying basically that there is nothing to be gained by giving into the temptation of sex (outside of marriage), and everything to lose.

Solomon knew that men all to often lacked the willpower to resist the charms of a seductive woman. Therefore, he advised his sons, “Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love” (vv.18-19). Great advise.

Men, if you're struggling, God will give you the power to overcome the lust, and to honor both Him and your own body, if you will simply take your sin to Him, ask for forgiveness, and turn from your sinful ways. And, if you have fallen in the past, His promise is this; “If you confess your sin, He is faithful and just to forgive you, and cleans you from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). For there is only one sin that is unto death, the grieving of His Spirit. Therefore, do it now, because if you do not, nor change your ways, His judgment is certain.

The Truth: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and the sexually immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4)

Proverbs 4 “The Heart”

“Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” (v.23)

Although the human heart is basically a pump that maintains the circulation of blood in the body, we still speak metaphorically of it as the place where love and deep feelings come from. The Romans, in Latin, spoke of the kardia (heart), meaning the place where thoughts and feelings of the soul and mind reside. The Amplified Bible translation of this verse is clearer when it says, “Above all guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.”

How often do we hear of people today vocalizing (thorough a slip of the tong) a deep seeded feeling, or thought against someone or some unresolved issue in their life? This shows us that at some point their heart was unguarded and a seed of doubt was planted, took root, and came to the surface. Sad, because a change of heart, was all that was needed. But, how can that happen?

I recently came across an old Sunday school fable of a mouse who was in constant distress because of his fear of cats. So he prayed that God would change him into something else. God took pity on him and turned him into a cat. Immediately he became afraid of dogs. He prayed again, so God changed him into a dog. Immediately he began to fear tigers. He prayed again, and God turned him into a tiger, and he immediately began to fear hunters. Then God said to the mouse, “No matter what you become, you still have the heart of a mouse. Therefore, be a mouse again, and let Me change your heart, nothing else will help.”

The same is so true for many today, desperately trying to fix a symptom rather than the cause. We all need to allow God to change our sinful hearts, and keep them focused on the principal thing, “the path of the just”, not turning to the right or the left, but having our way (path) established by Him (vv.25-27). I’m reminded of the worship chorus, “Create in me a pure heart O God; And renew a right spirit within me.” So often, that's all it takes.

The Truth: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)

Proverbs 3 “Wisdom and Understanding”

“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. (vv.13-15)

This psalm speaks to the, “Guidance for Youth.” The guidelines laid out in this psalm come with a prescribed reward of; length of days, long life, and peace, if kept. Trusting in the LORD and laying down our self-will, are the cornerstones of being directed by God (vv.5-6). This then will bring wisdom, understanding, length of days, honor, peace, rest, confidence, and protection (vv.13-26).

Many are they that seek riches, they spend their lives in that pursuit. Only to look back later in life and wish they hadn't. Seeking God's wisdom, pursuing His Word, turning our hearts to hear His direction for our lives, have a greater eternal value than any earthly pursuit. Therefore, as we look for wisdom in His Word, our reward will be greater than the profits of silver, and our gain greater than fine gold.

The Truth: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)

Proverbs 2 “God Gives Wisdom”

“For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (v.6)

Here in our text Solomon is explaining the value of wisdom to his son, and how to acquire it to find the knowledge of God (vv.1-5).

His first direction to him is, “to incline your ear to wisdom and your heart to understanding” (v.2). In other words listen intently to those who speak the scriptures, and then apply it to your heart and life.

Second, “cry out for discernment and lift your voice for understanding” (v.3). Meaning, ask the LORD for guidance, direction, and clarity during times of difficulty and uncertainty.

Finally, “seek her (wisdom) as silver, search for her as a hidden treasure” (v.4). The warning here is, don’t think you have the answer right off the bat, seek the LORD, listen for confirmation, and you will find the “hidden treasure”, wisdom.

Remember, God doesn't force truth on those who don't want it, but He hears the earnest cries of those who request it.

The Truth: “Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.” (John 16:24)

Proverbs 1 “Wise Council”

“A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel” (v.5).

We gain insight when we listen to those who have experience to share, who know more than we do—the insight we miss when our pride stands in the way. We're able to learn from others when we humble ourselves and acknowledge how little we know. Willingness to learn, is a mark of those who are truly wise.

Even our LORD sat in the midst of teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions (Luke 2:46). May we also both listen and ask questions to those around us who have spent their lives seeking God’s wisdom. C. S. Lewis said, “The next best thing to being wise oneself, is to live in a circle of those who are.”

May we learn take to heart the counsel of those who have lived in the Lord’s presence and are mature in His wisdom. They are God’s gift to us and our churches.

The Truth: “Then, after three days they found Him (Jesus) in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.” (Luke 2:46)

Mark 16 “He Is Risen”

“And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him.” (v.6)

Here an angel is announcing to the women who arrived at the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus, that His body was no longer in the tomb because He had risen from the grave. He then commanded the women to bring this good news to the other disciples, and to tell them that Jesus had already gone before them into Galilee (v.7).

In short, Jesus had fulfilled His purpose on earth, God had raised Him from the dead, His resurrection (like His birth) was announced by an angel, and later He met with and commissioned His disciples (then and now) to bring this good news to others (v.15). The phrase “go into all the world” literally means, “as you are going.” So it doesn’t just mean, go to a foreign land and be a witness, but everyday, as you go about your life, be a witness for the Lord.

The Truth: Then he told them, "As you go into all the world, proclaim the gospel to everyone.” (Mark 16:15 - ISV)

Mark 15 "Playing To The Crowd"

Here in chapter 15 Jesus is brought before Pilate (by the chief priests) early in the morning. One of the accusations against Him by the elders was, His claim of being a king. So Pilate asked Him directly, “Are You the King of the Jews?” His answer to Pilate was, “It is as you say.”

Admitting this before the very man that could have saved Him, brought a respect for Jesus. Pilate marveled, the Bible tells us, at Jesus for His honesty and for His silence before His earlier accusers who had mocked Him, beat Him and spoke blasphemously against Him (Luke 22:63-65).

Pilate, the Bible tells us, believed Jesus to be an innocent man, who upon examination of Jesus said, “I find no fault in Him worthy of death. He has done no evil (Luke 23:14-15). Then turning to the crowd three times Pilate asked, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called the Christ?” (Matthew 27:22) Upon hearing the crowd Pilate, wanting to gratify them more than doing the right thing, delivered Jesus to His accusers to be crucified as they requested. 

How many times have you given into peer pressure, allowing the crowd to dictate your actions, even though you knew in your heart, “this is wrong.” Actions have consequences. Even though Pilate believed Jesus to be innocent and literally washed his hands of the blood, still delivered Him to death. Therefore, Pilate is just as guilty of murder as were the chief priests who planned it and the Romans who carried it out. 

Our lesson here is to, like Jesus,  stand for the truth, not with the crowd. Do what is right, not what may earn you favor in the eyes of others - to satisfy God, and not man.

The Truth

“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” (James 3:16)

Mark 14 “Jesus’s Prayer in Gethsemane”

“Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from Me. Yet not My will but Your will be done.” (v.36)

This pray offered by Jesus to His Father the night before He was to be crucified, shows His concern for what He was about to suffer for us. Luke's gospel tells He was in such agony that His sweat became "great drops of blood" (Luke 22:44). Nevertheless He was obedient to His Father's will.

Three things to take away from this portion of scripture concerning prayer are: 1)The Lord does not always answer our prayers in the way we request of Him. Even His Son had to walk the path directed for Him. 2) He will not give us more than we can handle and will strengthen us and carry us through all our trials. 3) All things are working together for (a greater) good for those who love the Lord and follow His will, even when we don’t understand why.

There is no greater gift of love than this, our Savior’s willingness to obey the Father even to His death for us. May we share His love with all we come into contact with.

The Truth: “Greater love has no man than this, that He would lay down His life for His friends.” (John 15:13)

Mark 13 “The Great Tribulation”

“For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.” (v.19-20)

Here we see Jesus describing to His disciples a time of great tribulation which is to come, the likes of which the world has never known in its history. A time worse than the flood of Noah’s day, worse than the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, or any other event yet future. Never has the world seen, nor will it see anything equal to what is going to transpire during this three and a half year period.

Therefore, He warns them (and us) that, “when you shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (Daniel 9:1-27), then let all that be in Judea flee to the mountains (vv.12-14). During that time, those Jews (in Judea) that heed this warning of Jesus and flee to the wilderness area that God has prepared for them, He will provide and take care of them for that three and a half year period. And, “unless the LORD had shortened those days, no flesh (on earth) would be saved” (v.20).

Therefore, take heed, watch and pray, especially for those in our lives who need the gospel, for we do not know when this will take place.

The Truth: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10)

Mark 12 "The Wicked Vinedressers"

"Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others." (v.9)

Here in chapter 12 we find our Lord speaking to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders with a parable. The parable concerns an absentee landlord (a common figure in those days) who had leased his vineyard to a tenant farmer, a vinedresser.  At harvest time landlord sent his servants (multiple times) to collect some of the fruit, and each time they were met with violence, either beaten, stoned, or killed. Finally, the landowner sent his only beloved son to collect some of the harvest. Surely they would honor him. But the son was killed just like those before Him.

In this parable the religious leaders are the vinedressers, Israel is the vineyard and God is the absentee landlord. So we have God sending prophet after prophet to check on the progress of His tenant farmer, only to see each one of them beaten or killed. Finally, out of incomparable love, God sends His only Son to check on the harvest, but they rejected Him as well, nailing Him to a cross.

So, what will the landowner of the vineyard do? He will destroy the vinedressers (the religious leaders) and give the vineyard (the fruit of His promise) to others. The late Pastor Chuck Smith put it this way:

“The nation of Israel had failed to fulfill the purposes for which God had established them as a special people unto the Lord. They failed to bring forth that fruit that God was desiring the nation to produce. So, what will the Lord do? He will take away the privileges, the opportunities, and he will give them to others. And so, we see the door opened to the Gentiles, and Jesus here is prophesying and predicting that God is going to do His work, not among the Jews in this age, but more among the Gentiles. And thus, we see the work of God’s Spirit in a powerful way among those Gentile believers in Jesus Christ.”

But, make no mistake, judgment will fall upon those who did not reverence His Son.

The Truth: “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me.” (John 16:8-9)

Mark 11 “Have Faith In God”

Jesus said unto them, "Have Faith In God.” (v.22)

Here in chapter 11 Jesus was teaching his disciples to have faith in God to accomplish those things which seem beyond man's capabilities. This short statement literally means, have the faith of God - full, perfect, effectual faith. No doubts, no fears, just an unwavering confidence in the agent doing the work – God.

Jesus said, "Come unto to Me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). By allowing Him to shoulder our burdens, it not only lightens our load, but gives us peace and rest in our souls knowing He is faithful.

Therefore, the next time you find yourself struggling behind the plow of life, exercise your faith in God by displaying your unwavering confidence in Him, to accomplish those things which are beyond your control.

The Truth: "Our God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20)

Mark 10 “The Servant Shall Rule”

“And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (v.44-45)

Jesus was constantly sacrificing His needs to fulfill those of others, eventually giving His very life as a ransom for all of mankind. And now sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven. What a great example He left for us here, of putting others first.

I do not believe one can be Christ like and put his/her needs before others. Growing up, I remember my mother would work all day, then come home and start the family dinner, then clean and wash dishes, and even throw in a load of laundry before sitting down. I watched my dad work all day, then come home and do chores around the house, and still have time to throw the football around with me as a kid growing up. They both made many sacrifices for the family, and with three boys, that was not easy.

I thank God for those Christ like examples of putting others first in my life. And while there were many times I was blind to it all because of my selfishness, it’s so clear to me now how important it is to serve others. Thank you mom and dad for all those years of self-sacrifice.

The Truth: “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, You know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)

Mark 9 “All Things Are Possible”

“If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.” (v.23)

Here in chapter 9 we see a boy possessed by a mute spirit. And whenever the spirit seized him, it would throw him down; he would then foam at the mouth, gnash his teeth, and then become rigid (vv.17-18). The father first took the boy to Jesus’s disciples, but they could not help (v.18). Then he brought the boy to Jesus and asked for His help (v.22). Jesus then responded to him with our text, “all things are possible to him who believes” (v.23).

The answer the father gives to Jesus is both touching and beautifully honest, “I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” (v.24) It was as though he said," I do believe; but my faith is weak.” I think that is the case with many people today. They believe, but their faith is weak, it breaks down, gets placed in a closet until some misfortune befalls them. Then it’s, “LORD, help me.”

I believe Jesus is saying the same thing to us today as He did to the father in our text over 2000 years ago. And, just like then, He is willing and able to help all who believe at this very moment. Therefore, come to the Father, through the precious blood of His Son, Jesus. Lay your burdens down at His feet, and allow His healing to take place in your life today. (see prayer connect with God to the right on this page)

The Truth: “Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28)

Mark 8 “Do Not Be Ashamed”

“Whoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” (v.38)

Jesus said, “But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:33) - Very dangerous company to be in. Why you may ask, because Hades is a real place, a place of eternal separation from God, of darkness, and torment, both day and night. A place reserved for those who do not believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Most High God.

What would you give in exchange for your soul? All Jesus is asking for is your belief in Him, that you not be ashamed to acknowledge Him. But man is to worried with what he would need to give up, in order to do that. He would rather remain in his current rebellious and sinful state, than to stand with Christ unashamed.

So what can man expect if he remains ashamed to identify with Christ? A place reserved in Hades (a place of torments) to await judgment until after the final resurrection. (Luke 16:22-23) Better to identify with Him now, than to be excluded by Him later.  

The Truth: “The LORD knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment (Hades) for the “day of judgment” (2 Peter 2:9).

Mark 7 “Tradition vs. Commands of God ”

“For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such things you do. And He said unto them, Full well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition.”

Here in chapter 7 Jesus is asked by the Pharisees and the scribes, “Why do Your disciples eat with unwashed hands?” This was asked to find fault with them (His disciples), for the Pharisees and the Jews did not eat unless they washed their hands in a special way (tradition).

This prescribed washing was not for hygienic purposes (as we think of washing) but ceremonial, to meet mans standards of pious cleanliness. This was just one example of the Pharisees and scribes teaching as doctrine their own commandments and ignoring the commandments of God. Thus their traditions, added a yoke of bondage on the people never intended by God.

Jesus said, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!” (vv.14-16)

May we hear God’s Word and not the commandments of men.

The Truth:  “Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar. Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” (Proverbs 30:5-6)

Mark 6 “Great Sorrow”

“And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. And immediately the King sent the executioner and commanded his (John the Baptist) head be brought.” (v.26-27)

Historians tell us that King Herod was haunted all the days of his life by the public oath he had sworn in that moment of pleasure, and by what he had done to John the Baptist. Decisions made on emotions, under peer pressure, or when we are not thinking clearly, can often haunt us for the rest of our days. While it is true, there is no sin common to man that cannot be forgiven, if confessed it to our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. We cannot escape the consequences of our actions.

Therefore, may our decisions be grounded in prayer, seeking God’s will, and based on how His Spirit is leading us; not on our emotions, or under peer pressure, nor when we are not thinking clearly. For those decisions can bring “great sorrow” for all of our days.

The Truth: “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15)

Mark 5 “His Authority ”

“Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” (v.8)

After showing His authority over the natural world in chapter 4 by calming the wind and the waves on the Sea of Galilee (v.39), Jesus here in chapter 5 shows His authority over the supernatural world, by casting out demons from a man living among the tombs of the Gadarenes (vv.2-13); He also displays His power and authority over death, by raising a young child to life who had passed (vv.39-43).

Who is this man? The demons in this chapter said it best, “Son of the Most High God” (v.7). They knew who He was, they knew of His power and authority, and they feared Him. Luke’s gospel tells that they begged Him not to be sent to the abyss (bottomless pit - Luke 8:31). Here in Mark 5 they implored Jesus not to torment them (v.5), nor send them away out of the country (v.10), but that He allow them to enter a large heard of nearby swine (v.12).  

I find it interesting that demons knew more about Christ, His authority and power, than those who claimed to know the scriptures. They (the demons) knew enough about Him to try and avoid His immediate righteous judgment, by pleading for embodied life within a heard the pigs. But even the unclean pigs wanted nothing to do with these demon spirits. For once they entered, "the pigs they ran violently down a steep place, into the sea, and drown” (v.13).

We serve a great and mighty God. The One who has authority over all things. Who speaks to the wind and the waves, and calms them. The One who holds all things together, or breaks them down, by the power of His voice.

The Truth: “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”  (Colossians 1:16-20)

Mark 4 “The Good Soil”

“Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” (v.8)

In Mark 4, the parable of the sower teaches the importance of how we respond to the Word of God. It tells us the success or failure of a crop isn't necessarily in the skill of the farmer or in the power of the seed, but in the quality of the soil.

Some listeners are like rich soil, and the message takes root in their heart. Others resemble hard ground, and the seed simply bounces off them. Still others are like a weed patch that chokes out potential growth.

Therefore, the heart of the unbeliever needs to be softened, watered, and cultivated, to become “good soil” that the seed of eternal life might take root, and bear fruit in. Some hearts take longer to prepare than others, and one may not always see the fruit of his labor. Thus the saying, “One sows and another reaps” is true.

The Truth: “I (Paul) planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:6)